Millions Perform Devil-Stoning Ritual as Hajj Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Over 1.6 million Muslims performed the symbolic “stoning of the devil” in Mina on Friday, marking one of the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage as Eid al-Adha celebrations commenced across the Muslim world.

The ritual, which involves throwing seven pebbles at each of the three stone pillars (Jamarat), commemorates Prophet Abraham’s rejection of Satan’s temptations. Pilgrims began the rite before dawn, moving through designated pathways under tight security and crowd management.

A day earlier, pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat—considered the spiritual peak of Hajj—offering prayers and reflection. Despite warnings to avoid the midday heat, many climbed the sacred mount where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.

This year’s official Hajj count stands at 1.6 million, marking the lowest turnout in more than 30 years (excluding the pandemic era). Last year, 1.8 million pilgrims attended. Authorities say the drop is partly due to a crackdown on unregistered pilgrims, whose lack of access to services contributed to fatalities in previous years.